ESL Services: Test Taking Preparation

Reading Comprehension:

• Read Questions First: Before diving into the text, understand what the questions are asking to focus your reading. 
• Identify Keywords: Look for key words in the question and scan the text for matching terms. 
• Paraphrase: Rephrase the question in your own words to clarify its meaning. 
• Context Clues: Use context clues to understand unfamiliar vocabulary. 

Understanding Question Types:

• Multiple Choice: Read all options carefully, eliminate incorrect answers, and choose the best fit. 
• Matching: Identify matches first, then work through the remaining options. 
• True/False: Pay attention to qualifying words (always, never) and double negatives. 
• Essays: Plan your answer, outline your points, and organize your thoughts before writing. 

Time Management:

• Pace Yourself: Don't spend too much time on any single question. 
• Easy Questions First: Build confidence and momentum by answering easier questions first. 
• Skip Difficult Questions: If a question is too challenging, skip it and return later if time permits. 
• Review Answers: If time allows, review your answers for any errors. 

Multiple-choice

• Read all the choices before selecting your answer.
• Use the process of elimination.
• Look for keywords in the question.
• Look for words like “all” or “none” to help you narrow down your choices.

Matching

• Read through both sets of terms before you answer.
• Select the matches that you know first.

True or false

• Pay attention to qualifying words like “always,” “never,” or “every.”
• Watch for double negatives (i.e. “It is unlikely that the rabbit will not win the race.”)
• Remember, the entire statement must be true for it to be considered true.

Essays

• Read the entire prompt carefully and underline any key ideas.
• Organize your thoughts before beginning to write.
• Reword the question into an introduction for your answer.